Nollaig

Thank you! So far she's representing ye brilliantly. She's from New Orleans, not sure if I said that. She's a reader, a nerd, well spoken, genuinely interested in Ireland (she did not come here seeking leprechauns, but with a basic knowledge of current politic and social issues in Ireland). We have a lot in common too, she likes Supernatural, Harry Potter, Doctor Who, etc. So it's really good. Raj also seems really nice. He does indeed work at my university. It's a good mix of people from different cultures and backgrounds, so it'll be really interesting. Never thought I'd hear myself say something like that hehe! Oooh that sounds like a fab way to celebrate both your birthdays, happy 80th to your mum! You're gonna have a lovely day

My new housemate didn't actually move in last night, and the other one didn't call over last night, AND my landlords didn't come over to fix/do anything - so I ended up having the house to myself for one last night, which was lovely! I spent a significant portion of it lying in bed doing absolutely nothing but appreciating the fact that I could do that in silence. Then I ordered pizza, because I won't do that much with housemates. After work today one of my housemates (Cat) has asked me to bring her bedding shopping (she arrived from the States on Thurs and has nothing of that description). I did offer to do so on Monday, so that'll be interesting. Been dreaming about all of it quite a lot - last night dreamt Raj (other housemate) came in and was chatting before he went to bed - but it was in my parents house, not this rented house. Also dreamt that my dog, Roxi (lives at my parents) had been left alone for three days and was so starved she couldn't physically move - because I had forgotten all about her. Really unpleasant.

Hope your kid feels better soon Anna My new housemates called over last night to drop off their deposits and things. One of them is moving in tonight. They seem lovely and friendly and we had a good chat. One is from India, one from New Orleans in Louisiana. Both love very hot weather hehe, which they won't get here. I think they'll get on well with each other. It's very draining for me to adapt to new people, I spent hours last night after they left replaying the conversation in my head and criticizing the things I said, and I kept trying to make myself stop and read my book but ten minutes later I'd be staring off into space thinking about something else I said that might make them not like me. Anxiety is a very demanding thing! I'm absolutely shattered. Not sleeping well for the same reason, and every aspect of my life is throwing too much at me at the moment. Yeah. I'll be okay, it's just a lot.

That was really lovely of him, but I'm very surprised a part-time worker who only started at Christmas has the authority to do something like that!

#11 I'm Travelling Alone - Samuel Bjork Genre: Crime/Thriller/Scandinavian Synopsis: A six year old girl is found hanging from a tree. Around her neck is an airline tag which says 'I'm travelling alone'. A special homicide unit in Oslo is re-opened with veteran police investigator Holger Munch at the helm. He must convince his erstwhile partner, Mia Kruger, an extremely talented but eccentric investigator, to leave the solitary island to which she has retreated in order to take her own life. When scrutinising the murder files, Mia spots the number One carved into the dead girl's fingernail. She returns to duty to prevent more little girls falling victim to a terrifying, revenge-driven serial killer... *** Review: Having seen the rave reviews and high rating for this one on Goodreads, I was expecting a little bit more than I got. That's not to say it isn't a good read; it is, but I've definitely read better. I'm Travelling Alone is a very original, very complex story with a lot of interrelated subplots skirting and supporting the main plot - the search for the killer of a six year old girl. While at first I didn't really like Mia and wasn't sure I would like the book overall, Bjork is a talented writer, ultimately evoking my interest in each of the many characters who turned up either for only a few pages, or for most of them. Although there was a lot going on, I didn't find myself getting lost at any stage, which is saying something because I get confused very easily! In fact, I found myself drawn to certain threads and, when the story flipped away from them temporarily, I couldn't wait to get back to them. I particularly loved Tobias and Torben, and the entire subplot of the Christian Girls they were involved in. Some of the characters were a bit underdeveloped, despite the sheer volume of time spent on others. I really liked Gabriel, though I felt we could have seen more of his life - he felt a bit like a filler character who was only necessary for a bit of hack ex machina.Ultimately, I didn't see the killer coming, but not in a good way - in a disjointed 'nobody could have figured this out' kind of way. I'm not entirely sure I like how the two biggest plots came together; it seemed somewhat tenuous. It felt a bit like there was more attention to the detail in each subplot or in each character, than it how it all ultimately hung together. I also felt that the very end was extremely abrupt, leaving a lot of issues unresolved. As a result, I closed the book feeling a little indifferent, which is a shame, because there really is a lot about it to like. Worth a read, but I think maybe it took too much on in one novel. Rating: ★★★✰✰ (I liked it)

I actually found it really sad that not only did Disney alter Mary Poppins in a way and treat the author in a way that ultimately made her refuse any form of American adaptation of her work thereafter, but that Disney then went on to create a fictitious account wherein they make themselves look like they did some marvelous thing, for the purpose of entertainment. Talk about pouring salt in the wound. Now, granted, I think Disney's Mary Poppins is spectacular and works brilliantly, they knew what they were doing in creating it, and I think going against Travers' wishes and cutting her out of the process was one (relatively bad) thing, but to actually produce something like Saving Mr. Banks after the author was too, well, dead, to object or relay her version in contrast, is in horrendously poor taste. In my opinion. *gets off high horse* I watched The Double, directed by Richard Ayoade. It was... okay I guess. I liked it but I don't really know what the point of it was.

Thanks, it was and still is. I picked a second guy named Raj who also works at the university I work at. There were so many people that I don't remember him too well, but I remember thinking he seemed a bit better than most of the others. I am pretty picky about people, so I didn't like most of the people who visited. Woke up at 5am this morning and couldn't get back to sleep because I was thinking about everything that's happening. Feel sick at the moment after my breakfast, not sure if it's the food or what.

This is a really interesting sounding challenge, good luck with it I have the same habit of sticking to the same genres.

We do, the glass bits are called lenses! Frames and lenses make glasses! That curtain is awesome! Abby, glad you're starting to feel better. Sabry, congrats on passing your test! I'm very tired because I've had prospective tenants viewing my house all day. Think we've had 11 so far with another 5 or 6 to go this evening from half 6 onwards. There were tons more who couldn't make it today, but we're hoping to make a decision by the end of the day. There were two rooms available, but I chose one tenant already (an American student named Cat, who is an introvert like me), so she'll be moving in later this week. The house didn't even go online til yesterday, so I had no idea that this was going to be happening this weekend! So stressful, I was having nightmares about it last night.

Red! I always dye it red, I was just topping it up coz my roots were growing through Managed a few pages today but I've had prospective tenants traipsing around the house all day. Gonna try read for an hour now before the evening ones arrive.

It means you're a smarty pants

Thanks! I'm so intrigued! Must read! Ive *still* done no reading today, dunno what my problem is!

The debut album from an Irish band named Walking On Cars

I don't know a single thing about the story, I thought it was like chick lit/drama for the longest time til someone mentioned dystopia, so I have absolutely no idea what to expect from it! I may start reading it today/tomorrow just to get going before I do see any spoilers! It's a shame The Martian was spoiled for you, Anna. I had no idea what to expect going into that either and wasn't expecting most of it! I've done no reading today, whoops. I put on a face mask thing and dyed my hair instead. I will read this evening, I need to finish at least one more book by tomorrow evening!

You can do this however you want, everyone's book blog is different Some people rate out of 5 or 10, some say they liked or didn't like a book, and some don't rate at all! Whatever works for you. Have fun with it

That would be pretty bad wouldn't it? :/ I did the same, and I got Ravenclaw, woop!

I don't remember my password and when I asked it to reset my password it never sent me the email, so I don't know!

Hi Needle, welcome to the forum! Where are you from, and (same question as Athena) what are you studying?

Thanks ladies! I did just notice two silly typos in my Chris Hadfield review though, whoops! Need to stop power-writing these on my lunch breaks! Anna, the challenge itself only requires one author per county, so 32 authors/books out of the 90. I just wanted to give myself choice and really see how many I could actually find. I'd like to complete the 32 counties this year, and then next year go on perhaps to read more of the list. It can be difficult/pricey to obtain Irish literature even in Ireland as it's not very well known, and some of the books I want to get are a few decades old or out of print. That's all part of the fun, though! Gaia, it's a great book. Like I said, not perfect, but he's got some attitudes you probably wouldn't expect from a really driven, successful man, and they're very interesting.

I don't know who to believe! I love a good divisive book though, usually means I'm going to have a lot of opinions on it when I get to it!

.............Hey guys did you see Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell is only £1.09 on Kindle's Daily Deal?

Happy reading in 2016! You're making great progress already. I loved The Humans and I Let You Go. Quite a variety of genres you've got there, too

Wow it's been 12 days since I posted here, nearly two weeks! Whoops! I've had a lot going on though so I guess that's not too surprising. I finished four and reviewed three books in that time, all posted above this post (pending review to follow). I'm currently working my way through another two books, hoping to finish one by Sunday for a total of 12 read in January. On Sunday I went to see Chris Hadfield (retired astronaut) in Dublin, and bought a hardcopy of his book (reviewed above), which he signed and personalised. Signed my ticket too without me asking, bless him! Fantastic evening, inspirational talk, and lovely, funny man. Would highly recommend anyone going to hear him talk, even if you're not overly interested in space. Only downside to the evening was someone I didn't really want to see was there (with his girlfriend who I had never met), and they came over talking to my group of friends. Nearly ready to put a 'finished' stamp on my compilation of Irish Counties Challenge authors. I now have 90 across the 32 counties, though I could add dozens more for Dublin.

#10 An Astronaut's Guide To Life on Earth - Chris Hadfield Genre: Non-Fiction/Science/Autobiographical Synopsis: Colonel Chris Hadfield has spent decades training as an astronaut and has logged nearly 4000 hours in space. The secret to Col. Hadfield's success-and survival-is an unconventional philosophy he learned at NASA: prepare for the worst-and enjoy every moment of it. In An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth, Col. Hadfield takes readers deep into his years of training and space exploration to show how to make the impossible possible. Through eye-opening, entertaining stories filled with the adrenaline of launch, the mesmerizing wonder of spacewalks, and the measured, calm responses mandated by crises, he explains how conventional wisdom can get in the way of achievement-and happiness. *** Review: I'm a little bit biased here, because I have a deep-set interest in space exploration and admiration for those who do it. I also adore Chris Hadfield in particular because he is one of the only people in the profession (formerly) who engages with the public on a hyper-accessible level, generating interest in and support for the space program. Now that's out of the way, on to the book. There are two main facets to this book - one, as the title suggests, is a collection of perspectives and attitudes, to both work and everyday life, which Hadfield has developed and cultivated over the course of his varied career. He reinforces these with examples from the second facet - a relatively detailed insight into what is involved in becoming, and in performing the duties of, an astronaut. I loved both. If there is nothing at all else to be gained from this book, it perfectly illustrates how - no matter how fancy or important your work is - nobody is exempt from getting a bee inside their helmet at an extremely inopportune moment. Nobody is exempt from having to fix a toilet once in a while. Nobody is inherently more important or better than anyone else. And those are great things to know. Additionally, he is realistic about what it takes to be successful - believing you can do something is not enough, you need to figure out a logical, long-term plan of action and work hard to achieve every step. The easiest way to do that - love every step for what it is, not for what you hope it will ultimately lead to. The second facet of this novel, as I said, is the insight into the career path and daily workload of someone hoping to become/who becomes an astronaut - the kind of little things you could only find out from someone who has done the job. Facts about the immensely complex support structure at NASA, the actual statistical likelihood of becoming an astronaut, and even when you are, of going to space. Of the kinds of tests and simulations and unlikely qualities and exertion required - physical and mental - in order to succeed at the job. Chris offers an abundance of details and interesting facts which will fascinate, and in some cases horrify, anyone who has ever dreamt of being an astronaut. My only issue with the book is that it meandered quite a bit, meaning I often read through Chris's reasoning long before realising his point, as well as having several points and catchphrases repeated at irregular intervals. A better editor might have made this book a five star, but I loved it all the same. Rating: ★★★★✰ (I loved it)

#9 Birdman - Mo Hayder Genre: Crime/Fiction Synopsis: Greenwich, south-east London. The Met's crack murder squad, AMIP, is called out by nervous CID detectives to a grim discovery. Five bodies, all young women, all ritualistically murdered and dumped on wasteland near the Dome. As each post-mortem reveals a singular, horrific signature linking the victims, officers realize that they are on the trail of that most dangerous offender: a sexual serial killer. Detective Inspector Jack Caffery - young, driven, unshockable - finds himself facing both hostility within the force and echoes of his past in this, his first case with AMIP. Haunted by the memory of a death long ago, he employs every weapon forensic science can offer for he knows it is only a matter of time before this chaotic, sadistic killer strikes again. *** Review: I decided to give this novel a go as I wanted to try another Mo Hayder, having tried and hated Pig Island a few years back. Pig Island had not exactly been hailed as her best work, but I loved how dark it was (even if not much else could be said for it). So, I thought I'd try the Jack Caffery series - primarily to get to the second installment, The Treatment. But first - Birdman. Birdman was a solid read. It's a fairly-plot driven story, and it is dark, and complex, and in-depth. I don't think I've ever actually read a crime/thriller novel with quite such creative horror and violence behind the events of the story - you'd have to wonder a little bit about the inside of Mo Hayder's head. This is exactly what I loved about it though - while I'll flinch from the tiniest bit of tv violence, I rarely find books that genuinely shock or disgust me. This one definitely did - I cringed and/or briefly looked away from the book on more than one occasion. It's a fairly chunky novel, clearly very well researched (well, if it's not, it certainly left me feeling it was - I know next to nothing about the hierarchies or structures of police forces) and at times I actually found it a bit dense, trying to keep up with everything. I'd be happy to blame that entirely on myself though, and not on the book. The characters... I felt the characters left a little to be desired. I was fairly indifferent to almost all of the characters introduced except Essex, and even Caffery himself felt a tiny bit bland. I'm not sure entirely why, as his backstory is both excellent and excellently developed. I never really connected with him. However, it is only book one in the series, so hopefully I'll develop an attachment to him as I continue reading the series - which I have every intention of doing. I'm marking it down as 'I liked it' rather than 'I loved it' - while there was quite a bit about it that I loved, it is only the first in the series and I do feel there's potential for the series to go up two more notches. Rating: ★★★✰✰ (I liked it)